The Minns Labor Government is committing $250 million for a heritage revitalisation to the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo.
The iconic and much-loved 1988 Wran building will be saved.
The Powerhouse Museum was established in 1879 as the Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum of New South Wales. In 1978 an investment by the NSW Wran Labor Government transformed it into the modern Powerhouse Museum.
There has been no significant capital investment into Ultimo Powerhouse Museum since the museum opened in 1988.
The former government allocated $481 million for a Powerhouse renewal project.
NSW families are facing rampant inflation, as well as rising energy and housing costs. The $230 million balance from this decision will support the construction of new school and hospital projects as part of a new era of responsible long-term budget repair.
Independent engineering advice is that there are significant systems that need to be replaced to meet operation and building code requirements.
The Minns government will undertake further consultation with current staff as well as the arts and culture sector, business and creative industries groups, the education sector, peak bodies, expert advisors, local communities, and the public on the details and timing of this heritage redevelopment.
Minister for Arts John Graham said:
“We promised at the election that we would preserve the Wran legacy and keep the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo open. We are doing just that.
“The area around the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo has changed extensively since the museum opened in 1988. It is now a major hub for creative industries, technology, innovation, education, and research. This prudent investment allows us to save the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo and preserve the Wran legacy in a tough fiscal environment.
“We have responded to community calls for a more modest redevelopment, saving the Powerhouse Museum and preserving the Wran legacy with a $250 million heritage redevelopment.”
